Boston wears the spring season well. Maybe it’s that the preceding winter season sometimes seems just a little longer than absolutely necessary, but Boston in bloom is especially lovely and Boston Common, located southwest of the Statehouse, frames springtime especially well. As the oldest public park in the United States, the almost 50 acre tract has a colorful history that has included a British military encampment, public hangings, public rallies, and celebrations. At one time it was even used as a cow and sheep pasture.
Today, the grounds are dotted with artwork, monuments and shade trees that invite lingering and lunchtime picnics for area office workers. Adjacent to the Public Garden, a spectacular splash of nature within the heart of the city, the walkways of Boston Common are popular with joggers, walkers, roller-bladers and cyclists. The Frog Pond operates as an ice rink from November through mid-March. In the sweltering summer months it’s more of an urban beach with seating at the edges of the wading pool and a spraying fountain for a quick cool down. It wasn’t quite “beach” weather when my cousin and I walked through last month, but with blue skies and good conversation that didn’t really matter at all.
15 Beacon and W Boston provide alternate urban hotel experiences within easy walking distance of the park and the Massachusetts Statehouse on Beacon Street.
I’ve not been to Boston since 1987. Do the people still drive as if they’d just gotten out of prison?
I would describe Boston drivers as confident and assertive, Delmer.
I’d love to travel to Boston, good Irish city. I love places with a bit of history to them and Boston is certainly one of them.